Nitrogen Cycle and Protein Metabolism Notes

Flashcards to review key concepts from the lecture on the nitrogen cycle and protein metabolism.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is a highly coordinated cellular activity involving many multienzyme systems that cooperate to obtain chemical energy, convert nutrients, polymerize precursors, and synthesize or degrade biomolecules.

What are the two large groups of living organisms based on their carbon source?

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs.

What processes are involved in the nitrogen cycle?

Nitrogen fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification, and Denitrification.

What is the role of nitrogen in living organisms?

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and important compounds such as proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

What is nitrogen fixation?

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by diazotrophs.

What bacteria are involved in the process of nitrification?

Nitrosomonas (converts ammonia to nitrite) and Nitrobacter (converts nitrite to nitrates).

Why is nitrogen important for plants?

It helps in synthesizing chlorophyll and is incorporated into proteins and nucleic acids.

What is ammonification?

The process by which ammonifying bacteria convert organic nitrogen into ammonia or ammonium ions during the decomposition of organic matter.

What environmental impacts result from the use of nitrogen fertilizers?

They can lead to increased levels of nitrogen-containing compounds in aquatic ecosystems, causing eutrophication.

How do humans obtain nitrogen?

Humans assimilate nitrogen by consuming plants and animals that contain nitrogen compounds.